Staying on TRAC

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month? Each year, approximately 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States. The risk is less for men at 1 in 1,000.

“We want to take the most precaution we can to decrease our risk and maintain healthy, active lifestyles to combat breast cancer,” said Shane Stephens, Rec Sports graduate assistant.

Breast cancer is caused by a variety of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Leading a healthy and active lifestyle with a diet full of fruits, vegetables, and low fat foods can reduce your risk of breast cancer. Also avoid tobacco and alcohol use, as they’ve been linked to increase risk of breast cancer. Finally, conduct breast self exams on a monthly basis.

Campus Health Service has breast cancer resources available to students and will have an awareness table with prizes at the Late Night event on Oct. 28.

“We are whole beings with our minds, bodies and spirits in interdependence,” said Sheerine Bazargani, Disability Services graduate assistant. “The way we think has an affect on our health as much as the foods we eat on our mood.”

Mental health is defined as how we think, feel and act as we cope with life. It also helps to determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices.

“Like physical health, mental health is important at every stage of life from childhood to adolescence and into adulthood,” said Ashley Soliday, Counseling Center graduate assistant.

The Counseling Center offers help for those with depression, substance abuse, anxiety, stress, self-esteem or other mental health issues. The Office of Disability Services provides note-taking services, testing accommodations, sign language instructors and other services to students with disabilities. REC Sports offers ways to stay physical active, which are also good for the mind.

“Being physically active releases endorphins and improves your mood,” said Shane Stephens, REC sports graduate assistant. “It also helps you feel better about yourself, which is an important part of mental health.”

A Mental Health and Disability Awareness Event will be taking place on the PAC Concourse on Monday, Oct. 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students are encouraged to participate and learn about services offered.